Moving to Spain from the US — complete residency guide
How to obtain legal residency in Spain if living in the US: visa types, requirements, costs, rights, and step-by-step process via Spain consulate in US.
Moving to Spain from the United States — complete guide
Spain offers a Spanish-speaking European destination with quality public healthcare, established expat communities, and natural cultural connection for Spanish speakers. Attracts US citizens via Sephardic citizenship by descent, the non-lucrative visa for retirees, and the new digital nomad visa.
Residency types for Americans
- Non-Lucrative Visa — For retirees/investors with passive income
€28,800/year ($31K USD) - Digital Nomad Visa — For remote workers with employers outside Spain
Why Spain
- Public healthcare of high quality (free with legal residency after 1 year + contributions)
- Language: Spanish (easier for Spanish speakers than Italian/French)
- US expat communities in Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Madrid, Barcelona, Mallorca, Bilbao
- Schengen access — Spanish residency lets you travel 27 European countries without additional visa
- Path to citizenship: after 10 years of legal residency (2 years for Latin American nationals via bilateral treaty)
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- USCIS Form I-407 — abandonment of LPR status — formal renunciation procedure
- IRS tax obligations as a US citizen abroad — citizens file regardless of residence
- Social Security totalization agreements — avoiding double SS coverage
- Find an international tax attorney — for renunciation and exit-tax cases
- Consulate of your destination country — pre-departure documentation
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.